5-Day South Island New Zealand Wilderness Cycle Tour

33km

Breakfast, then the real adventure starts. Cycle over the Totara River and along the old Ross Ruatapu Railway line. Mt Cook and Mt Tasman loom in the distance the whole way.

Wetlands and native bush lead you to the Treetop Walkway. Up in the canopy, birdsong all around. You get views over Lake Mahinapua from a height you don’t usually get on a bike trip. Included today is a cruise on Lake Mahinapua itself, departing 4pm. Bad weather? No problem, we can shift it to tomorrow afternoon instead.

26km

A shuttle takes you and your bikes to Hokitika Gorge. Turquoise water, dramatic rock, viewing platforms that make the most of it. Honestly, the colour has to be seen to be believed. A short walk through native bush gets you there after the drive. This addition came straight from what our guests kept asking for.

Next stop, Lake Kaniere. Hans Bay or Sunny Bight make a great lunch spot, and in summer you might even go for a swim. The lake runs 8km long and 195 metres deep, ringed by towering kahikatea trees and plenty of birdlife.

Then a mostly downhill ride through more native bush, following the historic Kaniere Water Race. Hand-dug in 1875, this thing once carried water to feed Hokitika’s gold mining operations, real ingenuity for its time. The Kaniere Tram Road brings you back into Hokitika. Art and craft shops, afternoon tea, or a local ale are all waiting.

47km

Big breakfast, then a shuttle to Canoe Cove. This is the big day, so take your time and enjoy it.

Start with a gentle ride up the Arahura Valley, a place rich in greenstone history and significant in Māori culture. Follow the gravel road to Milltown, where things get more interesting. A short climb to 300 metres at Kawhaka Pass rewards you with sweeping views. Then it’s a long, thrilling descent into Kumara.

The Southern Alps keep showing up in the background, perfect for photos. A boardwalk and bush trail carry you the final stretch into town. Dinner’s on you tonight, but there’s a restaurant right on site.

28km

Final ride of the trip, and it’s a good one. Views of the Taramakau River lead you toward the Tasman Sea, past coastal sand dunes and quiet lagoons.

Follow the Grey River into Greymouth. Fancy dinner out? Monteith’s Brewery is famous for a reason. NZ Tourism meets you at the finish line, opposite the train station, at midday. Time to celebrate, and take one last look at the West Coast before you go.

Note: Start dates are flexible year-round, subject to accommodation availability. NZ Tourism will work with you to tailor the itinerary to your preferred dates.